Members of the Lindale High School senior class of 2024 toss their graduation caps in the air following Saturday’s ceremony. (Photos by Terry Cannon)
More than 330 Lindale High School seniors took the final steps of their public school journey this past Saturday morning at Eagle Stadium as they walked across the stage, received their diplomas and started on a new path in life.
The ceremony, originally scheduled for Friday night, was rescheduled due to inclement weather forecasted for the Lindale area.
LHS 2024 Class Valedictorian Angelina Jansen spoke prior to the awarding of diplomas during Saturday’s graduation ceremonies.
Valedictorian Angelina Jansen and Salutatorian Charlotte McConathy led the 2024 LHS graduating class, which was awarded their diplomas from LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt, LHS Principal Jeremy Chilek, Principal Kyle Wright, Assistant Principal Ryan Tomlinson and Assistant Principal Melissa Dukes.
Jansen, who earned a 107.635 grade point average, spoke of the people in her and the other graduates’ lives who made the endeavor a rewarding one.
“I would like to thank all the outstanding people who helped us on this journey,’’ she said. “Thanks my parents who supported and encouraged me along the way.
“Also, as I reflect on my time in the Lindale ISD, I have learned the value of setting goal and how this will help all of us in the future,’’ she said. “I’ve learned its not the obstacles in our way but the perseverance along the way that is important.’’
Lindale High School Principal Jeremy Chilek presented diplomas to the senior class of 2024 during graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
McConathy, who earned a 107.320 GPA, noted that while graduation means many friends will be choosing different paths, the time in the LISD also provided reassurance for everyone.
“It’s sad to say goodbye to our friends and the comfort of high school but now we know that as we face the inevitable challenges we are prepared to face those challenges,’’ she said.
“You can be whatever you want to be,’’ she added. “It’s exciting to see all these people who are ready to make a difference in the world.’’
Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt praised the Class of 2024 and spoke of the stellar academic and extracurricular achievements these students accomplished.
“This is a great day for the LISD,’’ Surratt said. “This is truly a phenomenal graduating class and is one that is truly gifted in academics.’’
A class that has set a high standard, he said.
“This class has left a tremendous legacy,’’ said Surratt. “It has a great work ethic and a habit of doing things the right way.’’
The path forward, he said, should be embraced knowing the graduates will not make the journey alone.
“Along your way in the future, God will place friends in your path,’’ he said. “Be grateful for these friends and your families.’’
He then closed with a familiar refrain he’s offered at graduation over the years.
“You will go on to do other things, but just remember – you will always be a Lindale Eagle,’’ he said.